Bio-identical hormones

Balanced hormone levels are essential for all aspects of health. Bio-identical hormone therapy is particularly important in mitigating the effects of hormonal imbalance that can occur as we age, as well as improving overall well-being.

Bio-identical hormones are derived from diosgenin, a substance obtained from Mexican yams. As their molecular structure is identical to those found naturally occurring in the body they are considered to be more effective.

Bio-identical hormone therapies (BHRT) are often used to help reduce symptoms caused by the fluctuations of hormones in the body, leading up to and during the menopause (in women) and the andropause (in men). They are also used to treat, premenstrual syndrome, polycystic ovaries, endometriosis, acne and other hormone related conditions.

Our pharmacists will work with your prescriber to compound your medication to the precise strength, dosage and form (lozenges, creams or capsules).

At Specialist Pharmacy, we compound a number of different formulations combinations to help support your specific needs. These can include one or more of the following hormones:

Progesterone plays an important role in maintaining women’s health and well-being. It is also necessary for male hormonal balance. Progesterone imbalances may cause infertility, anxiety and irritability. Bio-identical progesterone can be mood-enhancing and works as a natural anti-depressant, bringing relief to symptoms caused by hormonal imbalances. Synthetic progesterone is a different chemical compound called a progestin, which is used in conventional HRT and can be linked to negative side effects such as depression, lethargy, fluid retention and high cholesterol.

Estrogen is the name given to a group of related hormones: estrone, estradiol and estriol. Estradiol and estriol are often prescribed together as biest (bi-estrogen) because they closely mimic the normal ratio of these hormones in the body. The main functions of estrogen are to support women’s health and well-being. Synthetic estrogens, as prescribed in conventional HRT, are usually taken from the urine of pregnant mares and mixed with a sodium compound. Bio-identical estrogen, on the other hand is identical in its structure to the human hormones.

Benefits of bio-identical estrogen can include:

Reduction in bone loss: helps to reduce the incidence of osteopenia and osteoporosis.

Reduction in menopausal symptoms

Reduction in loss of collagen

Slowing down early atherosclerosis

Improvement of skin and hair condition

Improvement in urogenital atrophy. Reduces nocturia and stress incontinence, if used systemically or topically

A positive effect on muscle repair

Improved verbal memory when used with testosterone / bio-identical progesterone.

Testosterone is the principal male sex hormone and also an anabolic steroid. During the ageing process, testosterone decreases and symptoms of andropause (male menopause) may be experienced. These include decreased libido, muscle weakness and loss of lean muscle mass, lethargy and depression. Women also produce testosterone in small amounts and both genders require it for building strong muscles and bone density.

Dehydroepiandrosterone known as ‘DHEA’ is the most prolific hormone in the body and starts to decrease from around the age of 30, matching the signs and symptoms of ageing and susceptibility to disease. DHEA converts into essential hormones; testosterone and oestrogen as required by the body. DHEA increases energy and enhances the feeling of vitality.

Pregnenolone is a powerful hormone and is essential for the production of both DHEA and progesterone within the body. It does not occur naturally in food. The human body generally makes enough pregnenolone to meet your needs, under normal circumstances. However, pregnenolone levels decline with age and supplementation is often beneficial.

Benefits can include:

Reduced fatigue

Increased energy and cognitive function

Enhanced memory

Improved immunity.

Your prescription will be based on the assessment of your doctor and will reflect your unique biological makeup. It will be compounded by the Specialist Pharmacy, specifically for you, in our state-of-the-art laboratory.

As advised by your doctor during your initial consultation, your medication will usually come in the form of a cream, a lozenge or a capsule.

Your prescription will be based on the assessment of your doctor and will reflect your unique biological makeup. It will be compounded by the Specialist Pharmacy, specifically for you, in our state-of-the-art laboratory.

How to use medication
As advised by your doctor during your initial consultation, your medication will usually come in the form of a cream, a lozenge or a capsule.

Transdermal Cream

If you are prescribed a 50ml cream, this will provide 160 doses, with each full pump providing 0.3ml.

Press the pump all the way down in order to achieve the correct dose.

Apply the cream to clean, dry skin on the inner forearms, or as directed by your doctor.

Rub in for at least one minute to ensure full absorption.

Replace the cap and store at room temperature.

Do not use after the expiry date (please refer to dispensing label).

Lozenge

Lozenges are made from a hormone compound prepared for good absorption through the mucous membranes of the mouth. They come in a tray of 30 full lozenges that are scored and can be cut into 120 quarters.

Remove a single lozenge from the tray by pushing on the underside until the lozenge pops out.

Lozenges can be cut into quarters, as directed by your doctor.

Place the lozenge between the upper lip and gum and allow it to dissolve. Please allow up to 20 minutes.

Do not suck, chew or swallow the lozenge.

Do not eat or drink for 30 minutes after taking the lozenge.

Replace the tray cover when storing lozenges.

Store at room temperature and out of direct sunlight or water.

Do not use after the expiry date (please refer to dispensing label).

Capsule

Our easy-to-swallow capsules come in packs of 100. Each capsule is compounded specifically for the patient.

If your medication is prescribed in capsule form:

It should be taken with a glass of water.

Do not suck or chew the capsules.

Store at room temperature, out of direct sunlight and humidity.

Bio-identical hormone therapy is used to treat conditions, including:

Menopause

Perimenopause

Premenopausal

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)

Andropause (male menopause)

Headaches and Migraines

Endometriosis

Osteoporosis

Infertility (when related to hormonal conditions)

Abnormal Uterine Bleeding

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)

Polycystic Ovaries Syndrome (PCOS)

Depression

Postnatal Depression

Hair loss

Hirsutism (excess hair)

Acne

Skin disorders

Bio-identical hormones are molecularly identical to the hormones produced by your body and therefore side effects are minimal. Bio-identical hormones can be safely prescribed individually or with a combination of active hormones.

At Specialist Pharmacy we individually compound each prescription. This makes it possible to fine-tune each hormone to your specific requirements, as determined by your medical practitioner.

Should you experience any mild sensitivity to the medication during the course of your treatment, please contact your doctor. In the unlikely event that your symptoms are severe please contact your doctor immediately. If, such symptoms occur out of hours or in an emergency, please contact your GP or local hospital.

The Specialist Pharmacy is the first compounding pharmacy in the UK dedicated to the use of bio-identical hormones, creating bespoke medicines designed to treat the symptoms of the menopause and other hormone-related conditions. We are registered, regulated and comply with the standards of the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC). Our rigorously trained technicians work only with suppliers operating in countries whose pharmaceutical raw materials and GMP standards are recognised by the EU, using approved manufacturing equipment and software.